BYETTA

[susiewoosie]

Hi Sue thanks for that. As per Kens advice I've got myself a carb list so I will try and see how that goes. I'm hoping that I'm one of the lucky people that carbs don't really affect as I love pasta.

Ken was saying that he has a max of 40g of carbs. According to the list 1 cup of pasta is almost 40g. I've also got some Ainsley Harriots couscous and thats less than 40 per pack. I really hope I can do this.

My reading before bed last night was 6.9 and this morning as soon as I got up it was 8.9. Thats quite a drastic reduction in my night one as before Byetta it could be up as high as 22. The morning ones are going down as well although a lot slower. It used to be between 13 and 15. I've been type 2 for about 4 years and I've never had reading this low.

 

[peter lee]

hi my consultant wants me on byetta also at the same time taking my insulin plus apidra fast acting insulin ,yet it says on the byetta leaflet not to be taken with insulin ??? anyone else doing this :?:

 

[Sparklythings]

Good Afternoon

Well, what a wonderful forum and fabulous thread!

I met with the Diabetic Nurse on Tuesday, my fantastic GP having suggested Byetta a week or so ago. I collected everything today and intend to start with my first injection on Sunday evening.

I am really keen to make this work - I need to lose weight and gain better control. My original GP was incredibly unhelpful when I was first diagnosed, and it is only since changing to a new GP that I have got anything like a vague grip on things. It was only on Tuesday ( and the fourth time of asking) that I was given a testing kit and prescription for the strips and lancets. To that end, I have no real concept of my blood sugar control to date - but from the way I feel I am guessing it's not great.

I have been on metformin, rosiglitazone and simvastatin. Now dropped the rosiglitazone to start with the byetta. I've been told to test 6 times a day to start with, and to call the nurse on Thursday to report in on how things are going. I intend to test tomorrow too, so I can see the changes hopefully?

And finally, I have read all 105 pages since Tuesday - any chance of a gold star?? :wink:

Julia
x


Hi Julia.
Welcome to the Forum........Since Tuesday....you a speed reader !!! Well done.
True to my word..........one Gold Star as requested. Hope everything works out on the Byetta.
cugila. (Ken)

 

[rainbow_chicy]

hi bbsue Ive been on byetta for over year now on 10ml and at start I was very sick its best to eat no more than 15mins after you take it did stop the sickness for me , as sickness was bad and getting me down so once I did that it helped and dont take metformin till after youve eaten these things stopped my sickness hope it does yours too.good luck 8)

 

[vivkaroo]

hi jude and ken
well things bit better bloods bit under control now had a phone call from my specialist seeing dn friday morn they want to put me on victoza well dont know if i spelt that right its one a day injections cant go back on byetta read all the posts on victoza bit scared and wary but after 2 ten months stints of byetta might as well give it a try :lol: you know me have a go at most things hope you fine jude sent u email including little photo of me and couple of my grandchildren then thought you would see what i looked like jude nothing startling :lol: but will let you know how i get on at the weekend bit scared doesnt seem to have been researched as much as byetta but means i can cut some of my tablets i will post something on the victoza site but i enjoy talking to you on here anything you might want to tell me ken about the victoza that might help anyway you all take care off to bed now hope you fine jude write again in couple of days bye hun

lots of luv to you and ken xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx long as i dont change into a man with this new stuff i will be fine :lol: night allxxxxxxxxx

 

[cugila]

Hi Viv.
Not posting much at moment, recuperating from RT treatment etc, so just taking a little time out till I get back in the 'groove !'

Glad to hear that things are getting better for you. As for Victoza it seems to be having a good effect for most people who are on it. I can only go by what the users tell us in the VICTOZA thread and my own research, hopefully in time it will be as well stocked and informative as the Byetta thread.

The more people that post any questions and answers in the VICTOZA thread about ALL aspects the better. We have probably the best Byetta thread anywhere on the web, I want to see the VICTOZA thread with the same reputation. Factual and anecdotal....all in one place.

So Viv, as before I can only advise you to go with it and I shall keep an eye out for your progress in the other thread as well. Stay in touch.

Ken. xx

 

[vivkaroo]

to ken thanks a million for your advice you have nice rest my love always think of you but i still enjoy the byetta threads and you and my friend jude we have become good friends i think take care ken let you know how i get on bye vivkaroo xx

 

[jane22]

I wrote a while back that despite my GP and nurse wanting me to have Byetta, getting it was another matter. I was told that there would be an 18 week wait to see the consultant and then another 3 months to get the drug. Any way the GP rang the hospital and now my appointment is 22nd April (my birthday) so that's great and hopefully the start of a better life for me. It meand I'll have waited about 12 weeks not 18 but I still haven't found out if I get the Byetta then or if I have to wait the 3 months.
I am an avid traveller and am wondering how I'll manage especially when travelling to hot countries. One trip I often make involves a 4 hour flight and another 3 hours by car in heat. How do folk here manage as I assume you have to keep it cool?

 

[cugila]

Hi Jane.
If I was you at the appointment you have to question ANY delay in your treatment if Byetta is an option. Why should anybody delay an effective drug to you. It is proven and doesn't need testing, you just need to be put on it ASAP. Tell them you don't see why you need to wait.......WHY !

As for travelling, most members who need to keep injectable drugs cool manage with a bit of forward planning, never leaving the drugs anywhere they are likely to get too hot or too cold. Another good way is to get yourself a Frio cool pouch which is ideal for the job.

Here is the link to the Frio UK website where you are able to view and purchase if you wish.
http://www.friouk.com/buy/

Ken

 

[jane22]

Thanks Ken. I too wonder why there has been such a delay for this drug as reading through some of the posts on this thread it seems others get it quite quickly. My nurse did say the diabetic service in my area is in chaos. Anyway at least I do have an appointment now.
Susiewoosie I have been reading your story with interest. I too love carbs and get so hungry all the time which of course does nothing to help me control my weight. I need to loose at least 4 stone so am hoping Byetta will help this. I am hoping that if I no longer feel so hungry it will be easier to reduce the intake of some of those carbs.

 

[carol100963]

I have only been on the Byetta pen for a few days, was expecting sickness and everything else but as yet not had any
This has now raised a question it the injection going in correctly, i have done an extra test in the air and its coming out, how long will it take to show a gap in the pen so i know some has been dispenced
carol

 

[cugila]

Hi Carol.
Going on to Byetta does not automatically mean that you WILL get any side effects. I was one who virtually had none at all. Everybody is different and reacts differently to any drug.

As for is the drug working, only time will tell. I presume that you are on the 5 mcg dose at present if you have just started it ? You have checked the flow of the pen correctly and that is all that is needed to show that a measured dose is being delivered. You will have to wait many days to actually see the plunger has moved forward as in volume terms there is only a miniscule amount of liquid dispensed each time you inject. The newer pens now have markings on the barrel which helps to see how far the plunger has moved.

Are you checking your Bg levels before, and 1 and 2 hrs after your two main meals ? The post meal readings dropping from your usual range should give you some indication that the drug is working properly. In my experience of 15 months of Byetta use I have never known it not to work providing it is delivered correctly into the subcutaneous tissue. I would not worry too much about this, just wait for the results which should come fairly soon, possibly in a week or so.

Ken

 

[susiewoosie]

Hey Ken

I had to step away from the forum for a little bit as I was getting obsessed over every little thing. I saw my dn today and she said that they give you 3 months to see if Byetta is working. I asked her if the results had to be at the proper level but she said that any downward trend would be acceptable.

I was relieved because I just saw myself failing and not hitting the target. Its been especially worrying this last week because I have been under a lot of stress and unfortunately hit the box of Thorntons toffee that I had in. When I say hit the box what I really mean is I demolished it down to the very last teeny tiny bits. Really annoyed with myself. :x My sugar levels are still less than they were but I definitely sabotaged myself. :?

On the plus side I have managed to lose 9.5lb in 3 weeks. Trying to get to grips with reducing my carbs. Its hard to believe just how many things have carbs in them, its so unfair.

 

[carol100963]

Thanks for he info Ken, i have been reading a lot of the statements on the site and i think i need to talk more to my nurse as a lot including yourself talk about reading i have never done a reading with what and how ! i am a little confused should i have other stuff to use what should i do now

Carol

 

[cugila]

Hi Susie.
Don't ever think you are a failure. We have all had our moments. I too have fallen badly for the Thornton's on occasions !! I'm bad ! Just put it behind you and walk on by the store next time....says he........

The weight loss in itself will all help your cause. Remember that the Diabetic Team are on your side and are wanting you to succeed. It looks good for them too. Don't beat yourself up about things. It will all come right for you, just give it that little extra time. Try not to stress out as well as this will also affect your Bg levels causing them to rise. trust me, I know ALL about what stress does to you. Been there, done it, got the 'T' shirt etc........

As for the carbs, you soon get used to the reduced carbs. Just try and stick with it. You will always have my support here.

Ken.

 

[cugila]

Thanks for he info Ken, i have been reading a lot of the statements on the site and i think i need to talk more to my nurse as a lot including yourself talk about reading i have never done a reading with what and how ! i am a little confused should i have other stuff to use what should i do now

Carol

Carol.
You must get a blood glucose monitor and test strips. It is essential whilst on Byetta that you test frequently especially in the early days. You have to test first thing in the morning on waking, prior to your main meals, and 1 and 2 hrs after meals. This is so you can see just which foods affect your Bg levels. As Byetta, especially in combination with Gliclazide is liable to induce hypo's you must test to avoid this situation.

See if you can get the meter from your Nurse and get the strips prescribed. Let me know how you get on.

Ken

 

[susiewoosie]

Thanks Ken.

I'm trying to read through the low carb thread. The thing I'm finding hardest at the moment is that I'm on disability and pasta is just so cheap. I'm also finding that all my veg is frozen but that shouldn't make a difference should it? I can't wait for the weather to get better so I can start growing salad stuff again. I'm also relying heavily on eggs so I better carry on reading to get some different ideas otherwise Asda will have a shortage of eggs lol

 

[cugila]

Hi Susie.
Have you taken a look at the Newbies guide to Low Carbing here ? Here is a link if you haven't already seen it.
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=7215&start=0

Whilst on Byetta it is important that you eat enough carbs with each meal so that it works properly. I find I need at least 25-30g carbs each main meal otherwise it just doesn't seem to work well for me.

I can manage to eat some Pasta etc providing the portion size is restricted a lot. This also applies to a lot of other foods which may well be taboo on a pure low carb diet. I use reduced carbs, low GI/GL method.

Frozen Veg is fine, fresh is obviously better but i also use frozen with no problems, just check the carb content.

As for Egg's.....personally I still only eat 2-3 per week. I know that there is some thought that egg's are fine, however I am set in my ways and just eat what I think is right for me. I have had a major Heart Op in 2004 and was advised to avoid too many Egg's.....so I do. what you are advised and what you do is entirely your choice of course.

Ken

 

[susiewoosie]

Thanks again Ken. I'm trying to find a recipe for low carb bread. I've found one that uses flaxseed meal so I might try and get some. I will read through the low carb thread and hopefully I will get my head round it.

I have fresh veggies growing in the garden so hopefully it will be fresh veg soon and not frozen.

 

[cugila]

Susie.
I tried a genuine low carb bread early on in my dietary changes. It was fine but i couldn't eat much of it at all. It was just too heavy. Some people use Nimble, however I just eat small portions of ordinary bread which I bake myself, usually about 16 to 20g carbs per slice. Granary, sunflower seed etc. Tastes great and smells wonderful whilst it's baking.

Depends how low you want to go ! :wink:

Ken